It amazes me how people can act like smart consumers in some situations, and like helpless pawns in others. Consider the way most of us handle the news — especially television news. I don’t care which news station you watch; … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My “new age” friends are always telling me to “Go with my feelings and say what I feel.” But is it advisable to just blurt out whatever happens to pop into your head — right, wrong or … Continue reading
We hear a lot about mental health, and kids are no exception. Are there signs that parents should look for? How can you tell the difference between real psychological issues and simple bad habits brought on by too much TV, … Continue reading
It’s a rare moment when we don’t experience an emotion. But is it based in fact, or is it just a reaction (right or wrong) to some stimulus around us? When you experience an emotion, it’s important to identify it … Continue reading
Problems in relationships and business usually boil down to one thing: Bad judgment. Judgment – good or bad – is in terribly short supply nowadays. Like the overabundance of selections on TV and the Internet, we’re saturated with options and … Continue reading
A regular reader emails that he is having difficulty coming to terms with his girlfriend’s sexual history. He says that they are very much in love, but that he obsesses over her past with other men. He asks if it’s … Continue reading
I received a kind email from a reader who enjoyed my recent column where I suggested that how you feel is determined by how you think. She asks if that concept doesn’t open the door to rationalization and fooling yourself. … Continue reading
Few things are more annoying than being nagged (except perhaps being accused of it). Nagging stems from anxiety over the false belief that repetition creates motivation. It never does, and in fact, it lowers respect and reveals weakness by implying, … Continue reading
A reader emails that she’s resentful over other people’s success. Rich people, TV stars, neighbors who are thriving in business … she feels they are all bringing her down with their accomplishments. Well, imitation may be the sincerest form of … Continue reading
It’s rarely a good idea to mix business with friendship. It may seem perfectly natural to go into business with, or to employ (or be employed by) your friend, but those who have actually done that know that the relationship … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader sent me this note: “While preparing to have my first child, I did some research and resolved that I was going to breast feed. I couldn’t wait to share this momentous decision with my aunt, with … Continue reading
No doubt you’re aware that text messaging is a quick and easy way to communicate using a cell phone. Abbreviated phrases are typed out and instantly transmitted to the recipient’s cell phone screen. For some, it’s a primary method of … Continue reading